How to set up Fiddler to use for Android debugging

It is a delight to work with Fiddler to do web debugging. I have always liked using the fiddler tool for my website development. It provides you with so much valuable information giving you the possibility to tweak and fine tune your site till you are happy with its performance. In this post I will explain how you can configure Android to route its traffic through Fiddler so you can use in your advantage for your application development.

What is Fiddler?

For the ones that have stumbled upon this post and wonder what Fiddler is I will introduce it shortly. Fiddler is a free HTTP proxy server that is able to send your HTTP(S) traffic through the proxy and providing you the information that is sent or better said,  requested and received. You can manipulate or simulate (fiddle with) certain scenarios to debug or measure the traffic routed through Fiddler. You can dowload it at Telerik who currently own the software. (For OS X there is currently a BETA version available.) Link: https://www.telerik.com/fiddler

How can I use Fiddler with Android?

Now how is it possible to debug your Android traffic using Fiddler? Well, it is possible to grab the IP address that Fiddler uses on your network and configure Android to use it to route your Android traffic through the Fiddler proxy. This way you can measure the requests and responses.

Step 1:

Make sure you have Fiddler installed correctly.

Step 2:

In the top menu find Tools > Fiddler Options and navigate to the Connections tab.

Make sure you check the Allow remote computers to connect option and while you are at it, note the port Fiddler listens on. You will need it for your Android configuration.

Step 3:

Restart Fiddler.

Step 4:

Move your mouse pointer over the network indicator in the right top corner. It will show you a dialog with connection information. Note the IP address of the Proxy Server. You will need this information for your Android configuration.

Step 5:

On your Android device open the Settings application.
Choose the Wi-Fi option.
Tap on your active Wi-Fi connection and keep your finger pressed until an option dialog opens.
From the menu choose Modify network.

Open the Advanced options. (You may have to scroll down)
Open the Proxy settings option and choose Manual.

Fill in the Fiddler IP address and port and tap on save.

You are now good to go. Just Fiddle away. Do not forget switch back to your former Proxy settings on your Android device when you are done!